Love The New Wesley Study Bible!

Pastor Rick gave me a wonderful parting gift in church on Sunday, The Wesley Study Bible. Although I haven't had time to sift through as many pages as I'd like, here is my initial impression:

• It's the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) translation which is used by most mainline denominations. The translation itself is only twenty or so years old. The NRSV is a solid translation. For bible studies and sermon planning, I had been using my Oxford Annotated Study Bible (NRSV), but it was beginning to get well worn. And I was getting really tired of seeing the big dried paint blob on one of the pages! How did that get there? I must have had it open during one of our painting projects here at the house which probably involved painting the ceiling at one point.
• The biblical maps representing the different eras of the bible are outstanding with bright and vivid colors which stand out.
• In addition to the standard study bible notes at the bottom of each page explaining the scripture passage, there are also periodic snapshots of Wesleyan theological doctrines as well as periodic snapshots of life applications rooted in a Wesleyan understanding. This study bible lives and breathes Wesleyan theology!

With a lot of thematic study bibles on the market (women's, men's, youth, etc.) if you appreciate the Wesleyan theological approach to the Christian faith, this is the study bible you want. By the way, a Patriot's study bible is now on the market to explain the scriptures in light of the founding fathers, many of whom were technically "deists" which offers a theology which deviates from classical Christianity. While helpful in some regards, some of these study bibles have other agendas in mind - ie. prove that America is more blessed by God than other countries. Moral of the story: Don't just buy any study bible!

Possible uses for The Wesley Study Bible?

• Sermon & bible study planning
• Daily devotional reading
• Confirmation/New Member Classes
• A great gift idea (Thanks, Pastor Rick!)